A WOMAN who forgave her boyfriend for punching her repeatedly in the face wept as he was sentenced to jail yesterday.

Paul Jones, 32, was jailed for eight months after he admitted fracturing 28-year-old Claire Corner's cheekbone and eye-socket with punches.

Judge Leslie Spittle told Jones at Teesside Crown Court that the courts had a duty to protect women.

Xanthe Craddock, prosecuting, said the couple had returned to Miss Corner's home from a night out drinking when they had an argument and he became violent.

Jones knocked her to the floor and pinned down her arms as he continued to punch her.

Andrew Holmes, in mitigation, said Jones had shown remorse and that the couple were reconciled. Jones, of Westbourne Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm on June 13.